On this day in Missouri History, one worker died and four others were injured in an explosion at The Lake City Army ammunition plant in Independence, Missouri. 

It happened in a building where chemicals are mixed, according to Army officials. Other explosions have occurred at the same plant – a 1990 blast killed one worker and a 1981 explosion severely burned a worker who later died. 

In 2011, six people were injured in a blast at the sprawling facility. Prior to the 2017 blast, the plant had been fined for workplace safety issues at least three times.

Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.

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